Fall 2024 typewriter safari

Last week, we did a tour of the local thrift stores - and for the first time in ages there were interesting typewriters! Right at the start, first aisle, this spread of four machines immediately caught the eye.

The Olympia SM1 was the most appealing of the lot, probably an early 1950s machine. As a postwar drab-green (but with fancy chrome) it is out-of-scope for the collection. It also had minor rust all over, even a dusting of oxide on the segment. Its German keyboard then was the deciding factor to leave it there.

The fourth machine in the scene was the solid Olivetti 80, bashfully hiding behind a toy ironing board.

On another set of tables was the usual assembly of beige machines. These seem to be a fixture in the store, or of course they do sell and get replaced by similar-looking typewriters.

And then at the end of the aisle, another Olivetti Lexikon 80 with some damage and very stiff.

It was kept company by a massive Adler standard in a sorry state - painted all-over with a chalky white paint. It may perhaps find its spot as an interior decoration item (and cheaper than those modern 'typewriter' decor items, a lot heavier though) - scrap metal is a likelier destination though.

No machines were taken, but a reason to have an occasional look-round again :-)